Key Takeaways
• A private jet crashed in dense fog near Montgomery-Gibbs Airport at 3:47 a.m. on May 22, 2025, killing six onboard.
• Runway lights were off and the airport’s weather alert system was not working during the fatal landing attempt.
• Victims included music executive Dave Shapiro and five others; investigation by NTSB may take up to a year.
In the early hours of May 22, 2025, a private jet carrying six people crashed into the Murphy Canyon neighborhood of San Diego, leaving no survivors on board. The crash, which happened as the plane approached Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, has sent shockwaves through the local community and the music industry. The tragedy has also raised serious questions about airport safety, pilot decision-making, and the systems in place to protect both travelers and residents on the ground.
Who was involved, what happened, when and where did it occur, and why is this important?
The victims included well-known music industry figures like Dave Shapiro, co-founder of Sound Talent Group, and others connected to the agency. The crash took place at about 3:47 a.m. in San Diego, under dense fog conditions, as the jet attempted to land at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport. Early findings show that the airport’s runway lights were off and a weather alert system was not working at the time, raising concerns about the safety measures in place for late-night landings.
This event is important not only because of the loss of life and property damage but also because it highlights gaps in airport safety that could affect anyone traveling by air or living near an airport. The ongoing investigation will likely have implications for pilots, airport staff, and the broader aviation community.
Victims Identified: Remembering Those Lost
The crash claimed the lives of six people, each with their own story and connection to San Diego and the music world. The victims have now been officially named:
- Dave Shapiro, 42: A respected figure in the music industry, Dave Shapiro was the co-founder of Sound Talent Group, a San Diego-based music agency. He was also the owner and pilot of the aircraft. Shapiro was known for representing popular bands like Sum 41 and Pierce the Veil. Friends and colleagues describe him as a passionate advocate for artists and a skilled pilot with over ten years of flying experience.
Emma L. Huke, 25: Emma worked as a booking assistant at Sound Talent Group. Her dedication to her work and her positive attitude made her a valued member of the team.
Celina Marie Rose Kenyon, 36: Celina was a professional photographer who often worked with musicians. According to her father, she chose to fly home on the private jet instead of a commercial flight so she could get home early to take her daughter to school. Her decision shows the everyday choices people make to balance work and family.
Kendall Fortner, 24: Another booking assistant at Sound Talent Group, Kendall was known for her energy and commitment to her job.
Daniel Williams, 39: Daniel was the former drummer for the metal-core band The Devil Wears Prada. His father confirmed his presence on the flight, and the music community has expressed deep sadness over his loss.
Dominic Damian: A software engineer and friend of Dave Shapiro, Dominic was passionate about jiu-jitsu. His gym in Pacific Beach is planning a remembrance event in his honor.
Each of these individuals leaves behind family, friends, and colleagues who are now grieving. The loss is felt not only in San Diego but across the music industry and beyond.
What Happened: Details of the Crash
The Cessna 550 private jet took off from Teterboro Airport in New Jersey at 11:15 p.m. on May 21, 2025. After a stop in Wichita, Kansas, the plane continued its journey, heading for Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in San Diego. The crash occurred at about 3:47 a.m. local time, as the plane was making its final approach.
Key details about the crash:
- Dense fog: Weather reports confirm that the area was covered in thick fog at the time, making visibility very poor.
- Runway lights off: The runway lights at Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport were turned off when the pilot tried to land. This would have made it even harder for the pilot to see the runway and land safely.
- Weather alert system not working: The airport’s system for warning pilots about bad weather was not working at the time of the crash.
- No flight data recorder: The aircraft did not have a flight data recorder, which is a device that records information about the plane’s flight. Investigators are still checking if there was a cockpit voice recorder, which records conversations in the cockpit.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation. Dan Baker, an NTSB investigator, has said it could take up to a year to find out exactly what caused the crash. A preliminary report is expected in a few weeks, but a full explanation will take much longer.
Impact on San Diego and the Music Industry
The crash has deeply affected the San Diego community and the music world. The neighborhood where the plane went down saw at least ten homes damaged and eight people injured. About 100 residents had to leave their homes while emergency crews worked at the scene. Thankfully, there were no deaths on the ground.
The music industry, especially the alternative and metal scenes, has been hit hard by the loss of Dave Shapiro and others from Sound Talent Group. The agency released a statement expressing their heartbreak and asking for privacy for the families involved. The San Diego Police Department also shared their condolences, saying they stand with the community during this difficult time.
Community response:
- Evacuations: Around 100 people were evacuated from their homes for safety.
- Injuries: Eight people on the ground were hurt, but none seriously.
- Property damage: At least ten homes were damaged, some badly.
The crash has reminded everyone of the risks that come with living near airports and the importance of strong safety systems.
Investigation: What Authorities Are Looking At
The NTSB is focusing on several key areas as they try to understand what went wrong:
1. Airport Safety Systems
The fact that the runway lights were off and the weather alert system was not working is a major concern. Runway lights help pilots see where to land, especially at night or in bad weather. A working weather alert system warns pilots about dangerous conditions like fog.
2. Pilot Decision-Making
Dave Shapiro was an experienced pilot, but flying in dense fog without runway lights is extremely risky. Investigators will look at why the decision was made to land under these conditions and whether the pilot had all the information needed to make a safe choice.
3. Aircraft Equipment
The lack of a flight data recorder makes it harder to know exactly what happened in the final moments of the flight. Investigators are checking if there was a cockpit voice recorder, which could provide clues about what the pilot and co-pilot were experiencing.
4. Weather Conditions
Fog is a known danger for pilots, especially when landing. The NTSB will review weather reports, air traffic control communications, and any warnings that were (or were not) given to the pilot.
5. Airport Operations
Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport is a busy airport in San Diego. Investigators will look at the airport’s procedures for late-night landings, maintenance of safety systems, and how staff responded to the emergency.
Broader Implications: What This Means for Travelers and Residents
This tragedy has raised important questions for several groups:
For Pilots and Private Jet Owners
- Safety checks: Pilots must always check that airport systems are working before landing, especially at night or in bad weather.
- Decision-making: Even experienced pilots like Dave Shapiro can face tough choices. This crash may lead to new rules or training about when it’s safe to land.
For Airport Authorities
- System maintenance: Airports must keep runway lights and weather alert systems working at all times. This crash could lead to stricter inspections and penalties for failures.
- Communication: Airports need clear ways to tell pilots about any problems with safety systems.
For Residents Near Airports
- Emergency planning: People living near airports may want to review their own emergency plans in case of future accidents.
- Community involvement: Residents can ask local officials about airport safety and what’s being done to prevent similar incidents.
For the Music Industry
- Loss of leaders: The deaths of Dave Shapiro and others are a huge loss for the music world. Their work helped shape the careers of many artists.
- Support for families: The industry is coming together to support the families and friends of those lost.
The Role of Immigration and International Travel
While this crash was not directly related to immigration, it does highlight issues that are important for anyone who travels, especially those who cross borders for work or family reasons. Many people in the music industry, like Dave Shapiro and his colleagues, travel often for concerts, meetings, and events. Safe and reliable air travel is essential for their work.
For immigrants and international travelers, knowing that airports are safe and that pilots and staff are well-trained is very important. This crash may lead to new rules that affect how private planes operate, especially for flights that cross state or national borders.
If you are planning to travel to or from the United States 🇺🇸, it’s a good idea to check the latest safety information from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). You can find official updates and safety guidelines on the FAA’s website.
What Happens Next: The Investigation Continues
The NTSB will continue its investigation over the coming months. They will review all available evidence, including:
- Air traffic control recordings
- Weather data
- Maintenance records for the plane and airport
- Interviews with airport staff and witnesses
A preliminary report should be released in a few weeks, but a full explanation will take much longer. The findings may lead to changes in airport safety rules, pilot training, and equipment requirements for private jets.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, aviation accidents like this often lead to new safety measures that can affect both commercial and private flights. These changes are designed to protect travelers, pilots, and people living near airports.
Practical Guidance for Travelers and Residents
If you are a frequent traveler, pilot, or live near an airport, here are some steps you can take:
- Stay informed: Check for updates from the FAA and your local airport about safety systems and emergency plans.
- Ask questions: If you have concerns about airport safety, contact airport authorities or your local government.
- Review your own plans: Make sure you know what to do in an emergency, whether you’re at home or traveling.
- Support those affected: If you know someone impacted by this tragedy, reach out and offer support.
Conclusion: A Community in Mourning, A Call for Action
The San Diego plane crash that took the lives of Dave Shapiro and five others is a heartbreaking reminder of the risks involved in air travel. It has left families grieving, a community shaken, and the music industry mourning the loss of talented and dedicated people.
As the investigation continues, there will be calls for better safety systems, clearer communication, and stronger rules to prevent similar tragedies. For now, the focus is on supporting those affected and learning from what happened to make air travel safer for everyone.
If you have questions about air travel safety, immigration, or related topics, always turn to official sources like the Federal Aviation Administration for the most up-to-date information. And remember, the lessons learned from this tragedy will help shape a safer future for all who travel, work, and live near airports.
Learn Today
Private Jet → A small aircraft owned or chartered for personal or business use, not commercial airline service.
Runway Lights → Illumination along airport runways to guide pilots during takeoff and landing, especially at night or fog.
Weather Alert System → Airport technology that warns pilots of dangerous weather conditions like fog, storms, or wind changes.
Flight Data Recorder → A device recording technical flight data to aid investigations after aviation accidents.
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) → U.S. federal agency responsible for investigating transportation accidents and determining causes.
This Article in a Nutshell
A tragic private jet crash in San Diego on May 22, 2025, killed six, including music executive Dave Shapiro. Faulty airport safety systems, dense fog, and pilot challenges raised urgent questions about aviation safety amid grieving families and ongoing investigations.
— By VisaVerge.com
